Follow the daily interactions of an affable bar manager of pretty cool and not-so-typical watering hole in NYC, in a not-so-typical neighborhood, Murray Hill. There may be some blurbs overheard at the bar, stimulating observations and random thoughts on random things. So be careful, you never know what might end up here....Enjoy and welcome to my world!

4.22.2011

THINGS JUST GOT INTERESTING...

Thursday night was another busy night at the bar, with plenty of folks in to catch some playoff games on the TV's. Of course, with us being known more for hockey than anything else, most of the focus were on the playoff hockey games on tap for the evening; BOSTON vs MONTREAL, CHICAGO vs VANCOUVER and SAN JOSE vs L.A. and there were more than a few people in the house to check out the games.

There were quite a few Canadiens fans in the house, anticipating a bounceback win from the Habs after losing Game 3 on Monday night (myself included). On the other hand, Boston Bruin fans were far fewer in number, but just as vocal in cheering on their team.

As expected, the Canadiens took the fight to Boston, much to my delight and Habs fans in the house. However, the celebrating was short-lived as Boston fought back to keep things close. As it turns out, the game ended up becoming a see-saw battle with neither team being able to put the other away. A definite roller-coaster ride for all of the fans in the bar.

Of course, a game like this would have to go into overtime, which is something I didn't want to see happen. Overtime hasn't been kind to the teams I've been rooting for this playoff season (just ask the Rangers), so that being said, I tried to rally the troops and get them to cheer on the Habs....

Of course that didn't work out as Boston would score moments later to win the game in overtime, 5-4. Brutal. Now the series is tied 2-2, with both teams winning their games on the road. So much for home ice advantage. Next game is scheduled for Saturday night, which isn't a bad thing as we'll get to see the Hockey Night in Canada broadcast. Speaking of Game 5, we'll be hosting another #HABSTWEETUP event this Saturday during the game, so all HABS fans who follow their team on Twitter and want to join us for the fun should RSVP at the ALLHABS site (click on the link). Please make sure to RSVP so that we have a good idea of how many HABS fans are coming to the event!

One good thing about all of this playoff hockey coverage is meeting a lot of new people. Quite a few of them are Canadian expats living in the city and excited about being able to see their teams play. Most of them are just plain hockey fans who simply like to watch the game. I had one guy come up to me during the game and thank me for making Third and Long a real hockey bar, which I thought was pretty cool. We're getting there.

The Chicago Blackhawks staved off elimination by blowing out the Vancouver Canucks, 5-0, and bringing that series to 3-2. The Blackhawks knocked off the Canucks in the first round the last two years and now they are one game away from tying up the series. You think the Canucks are in panic mode yet? Stay tuned...

As for the Sharks, they are up 3-1 on the L.A. Kings after defeating them 6-3 in the late game. Will the Sharks, who are known for choking in the playoffs, close out the Kings and move on? We'll find out this weekend!

TONIGHT: All eyes turn to basketball as the NY Knicks host the Boston Celtics in Game 3 of their series. Boston is up 2-0, after two hard fought victories on home court. Now it's time to see if the Knicks can rebound and return the favor. Game starts at 7pm (w/audio), so get there early! We also have a hockey doubleheader with Philadelphia playing against Buffalo (7:30pm), followed by Nashville vs Anaheim, 10pm.

Don't forget about the NY Rangers as they try to stave off elimination vs Washington on the road, Saturday afternoon, 3pm (w/audio)!

AND FINALLY: I had to end today's post with a funny video clip from one of my favorite shows, "Parks and Recreation", where one of the main characters, Playboy Tom Haverford (Aziz Ansari) dispense hilarious nicknames for meals.